3BR Powersports Disputes Unauthorized Use Of Sealed USB Charger Designs for Motorcycles

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. - June 28, 2013 - PRLog -- Don Blackwell and his son Kurt are the founders of 3BR Powersports, a motorcycle electronics manufacturer based in Pleasant Prairie, WI. Blackwell is a life-long inventor and engineer with more than a dozen patents to his name. Blackwell combined his extensive background with USB communications and a family passion for riding to establish 3BR Powersports in 2010. 3BR offers the innovative TAPP (Tiny Accessory Power Port), DoubleTAPP and TAPPLite USB charging systems for providing clean, waterproof power compatible with today’s smart phone and GPS units. The systems are specifically designed for use on motorcycles.  3BR has exclusive rights to their water-proof USB cable cover design the TAPP CAPP via U.S. patent # 7,914,306. Some TAPP systems also include a flexible adhesive mounting unit that works with multiple surface shapes giving installers more options than systems that will work only on type of curved or flat surface. This Universal Mounting System is protected by U.S. Patent # 8,079,560. TAPP products have been very well received with new versions being released regularly to correspond with new phones and new bike models.  

Unfortunately, non-genuine systems from Asian manufacturers that include copies of the patented parts are now being sold in the United States via the internet and possibly other distribution channels. Some dealers have also been unknowingly recruited to carry the unauthorized versions, which do not meet the fit and quality specifications developed by 3BR. The Blackwells are fighting the unauthorized use of the designs with cease-and-desist notices drafted by their intellectual property attorneys in Milwaukee. “We are glad that dealers and consumers are learning that we have a great phone and GPS charging solution for motorcycles, and realize that until now, some dealers did not know that 3BR Powersports is the exclusive owner of this design. We are sure that dealers will respect that we spent a lot of time and money to develop this one-of-a-kind USB charging system for motorcycles, and we have patent protection on these products.  We are mounting a rigorous defense of these patents to stop the infringers. Our end goal is to ensure that customers and dealers alike will receive the quality and performance of the 3BR System for charging their electronics, and that the sales transactions will be conducted ethically with 3BR here in the United States.”

The Blackwells have discovered infringing versions of their products on the market under brand names originating in China. As their search continues, more brand names may be uncovered. China remains on the Priority Watch List maintained by the U.S. Trade Representative, with concerns about ongoing Chinese company practices listed in the May 1^st, 2013 edition of the USTR’s “Special 301” report . 3BR has appealed directly to the Asian manufacturers and distributors to try and stop the infringing designs. “We have contacted more than 30 dealers who carry the infringing products, which are easily identified. The marketing materials and photos are copied word-for-word from our manuals and website, and one website was using unauthorized photographs from a favorable review of the TAPP on Webbikeworld.com . Dealers and consumers need to be aware that the infringing products often do not meet our quality or fit standards. In some cases the infringing traders are even using our brand name and logo, which is a violation of our trademarks. This is not an innocent mistake; they are reaping the profits from our engineering and marketing work.”

The unauthorized products are available over the internet from Chinese internet dealers. Dealers that are carrying the infringing products are advised to stop selling the products and contact 3BR Powersports immediately to resolve the problem.   A form letter drafted for 3BR by their law firm is being sent to dealers and distributors. This letter details with photographs and simple verbiage how to identify specific products that are in violation. Full text of the patents can also be viewed at uspto.gov. At this time 3BR is asking for voluntary compliance with the cease-and-desist orders and dealers have been very cooperative. The Blackwells are also asking for help to identify any American distributors that are selling the copied designs.  To obtain more information on the advantages of the TAPP and TAPPLite USB charging systems, learn about products that violate their patents, or for any other information please visit www.3brpowersports.com  or call 3BR at 408-725-8010.